We value the hard work and dedication of our nursing staff and we are disappointed that the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is taking strike action when there is a fair offer on the table.

We are concerned about the impact strike action will have on patients who are waiting for planned care.

We appreciate it is never an easy decision for any of our nurses to strike. We sincerely thank the nurses who will be delivering life preserving services and all the volunteers who will be supporting our clinical services during the strike period.

While we are aware of NZNO’s commentary in recent weeks we would like to reassure New Zealanders that Health NZ is completely committed to safe staffing. 

For us safe staffing in a busy hospital environment includes the skills mix of the staff, the way care is provided, strong clinical judgement, flexibility and thoughtful decision making from our experienced leaders on the frontline.  We take responsibility for operational and patient safety decisions seriously as we are accountable for the safety of patients who access our services.

We maintain our commitment to working with the union on our approach to ensuring high quality health outcomes for patients and a good working environment for our nurses, midwives and health care assistants.

We believe the offer we have made to the union is a fair one.  

The offer rejected by the union would see a new graduate nurse on $75,773 gain a total pay increase of $8337 (or 11%) by the end of June 2026 once step progression is included. A registered nurse on the highest step with a base salary of $106,739 would see their pay increase by $3224 to $109,963 by the end of June 2026.

The average salary for both senior and registered nurses, including overtime, PDRP allowance, and penal rates, is $125,662.

The public can be reassured that we have an agreement with NZNO for life preserving services support throughout the 24-hour strike from 9am Wednesday and our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. 

To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed and planned care appointments will be postponed. All patients impacted by the strike will be contacted directly by hospital staff.

Any appointments that are deferred due to the strike will be rescheduled for the next available opportunity.

It is estimated that 4,300 planned procedures and specialist appointments will have to be postponed due to the strike.   

Our advice for all patients ahead of the strike is:

  • all emergency departments will remain open for acute care and hospital patients will receive safe care
  • unless you are contacted directly, please attend any scheduled outpatient appointment or treatment
  • people with non-urgent ailments or injuries should contact their GP in the first instance.

Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice.